How can programmable robots make several styles of products in a factory?

Programmable robots enable factories to produce multiple styles of products through two primary strategies:

• Batch Production: Robots are programmed to perform a specific task for a set quantity of one product style. Once the batch is complete, the equipment undergoes a changeover—a period of nonproductive time where the robot is reprogrammed to accommodate the requirements of the next product style.12
• Mixed-Model Production: In more advanced setups, such as those found in flexible assembly cells, robots can produce a mixture of different product styles simultaneously. In this strategy, the robot identifies the specific product style as it arrives at the workstation and executes the appropriate task for that unit.2

To facilitate these capabilities, robots are controlled by computer systems that store motion sequences and operational instructions. Programming methods include "lead-through" techniques—where the robot is physically guided through motions—or the use of specialized programming languages that allow for decision-making, sensor input, and motion control. By utilizing these programmable systems, manufacturers can achieve greater flexibility, allowing them to respond speedily to changes in market demand and produce customized goods with the efficiency of mass production.345